Description
Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, where layers of cheese-stuffed pasta mingle with rich marinara and melted cheese. Hearty Italian-American flavors promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking results.
- In a large skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, flavorful base by browning thoroughly over medium heat. Eliminate excess grease, then infuse with marinara sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance depth of flavor.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture throughout.
- Construct the casserole foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Strategically arrange the first half of frozen ravioli as a uniform base. Generously spread the cheese mixture, covering every pasta pocket. Distribute the remaining meat sauce, followed by a second ravioli layer and final meat sauce coating.
- Crown the casserole with a decadent cheese topping, sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan to create a golden, melty surface.
- Shield the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, appetizing golden crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while warm, presenting a comforting, restaurant-quality meal.
Notes
- Customize meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Enhance cheese mixture with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the overall taste and add vibrant aromatics.
- Prevent soggy texture by using slightly thawed ravioli and ensuring excess moisture is drained from meat sauce before layering.
- Make ahead by assembling casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in refrigerator, and baking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg